Drugs, Weapons and Cash Seized in Nationwide Police Operation

Police have seized a haul of illicit drugs, cash and weapons in a nationwide methylamphetamine operation.

Operation Vitreus, coordinated by the National Methylamphetamine Strategy Group involving police across Australian states and territories led to 272 arrests and 659 charges.

“Methylamphetamine is a key focus for police across Australia because of the damaging impact that this drug has been having on our communities,” Operation Vitreus National Commander Pryce Scanlan from the WA Police’s State Crime portfolio said.

Search warrants, screening of mail and airport freight, people and vehicle checks as well as stop and searches of cars heading from Perth and Bunbury led to the collective seizure of a range of drugs.

Drugs seized included 3.5kg of methylamphetamine, 18.2kg of Cannabis, 2kg of Steroids, 863 tablets/ capsules of MDMA, 423g of MDMA powder and about 13g of Heroin.

Other seizures included Cannabis seeds, Ketamine, Synthetic Cannabis and Dimethyltryptamine.

16 firearms was also recovered along with nearly $200,000 in cash.

Two men from Victoria were arrested and charged after they were caught concealing drugs on their bodies.

A 39-year-old man from Frankston and a 27-year-old man has been charged with possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell and supply.

The 39-year-old will appear before Perth Magistrates Court on 24 May, while the 27-year-old man will appear at Perth Magistrates Court on 24 May.

Meanwhile a 55-year-old man from Blacktown in New South Wales has also been arrested and charged with possessing a prohibited cocaine with intent to sell/supply.

He will appear in Perth Magistrates Court on 6 June.

“This week-long effort is another example of law enforcement agencies working together in a co-ordinated fashion to disrupt the supply of methylamphetamine and other illicit drugs in the community,” Commander Scanlan said.

“Information from the public regarding the illicit drug trade is critical to police and helps guide our operational effort.”